Now in its 29th edition, Art Miami maintains a preeminent position in America's modern and contemporary art fair markets.

Newly located this year at One Miami Herald Plaza in downtown Miami, Art Miami’s 160 international galleries bring an eclectic mix of art that is definitely worth making the trip across the causeway to see.

Art Miami’s sister fair Context is located right next door and keeps the art going, one ticket gets you into both fairs as well as Aqua Art Miami located at the Aqua Hotel 1530 Collins Ave, Miami Beach.

Art Basel Miami Beach opened on Thursday to the public in a newly renovated and expanded Miami Beach Convention Center. Having attended every edition of this event from its debut in 2002 to this latest 17th edition, I have seen significant change from year one to date.

It may be the enlarged area and the addition of two more entrance points but the usual crunch of art enthusiasts vying for a spot in line was not evident, the space inside the exhibition hall seemed open and less crowded which made for a better viewing experience.

The show itself also seemed calmer, maturing from its more radical years of the spectacle and the outrageous with expletives shouting at you from art objects and booths spilling out into the aisles. This year I found an abundance of art I could live with and wanted to take home but I also felt a lack of excitement and challenge.

With more art than one could possibly ingest in a day the viewer must scrupulously pick and choose when to stop and observe, the slideshow above shows a few of my picks from day one.